Transaction device

ABSTRACT

A transaction device preferably includes communication device (preferably a wireless two-way communication device) for receiving information relevant to one or more items/services available for purchase and a display displaying the information. The transaction device may include an input device allowing a user to generate an order. The order is then preferably transmitted from the transaction device for processing. The transaction device preferably includes point of sale capabilities such that the user can complete the transaction remotely and enter the necessary financial information on the transaction device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which is incorporated fullyherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an illuminated transaction tray, andmore particularly, to a transaction tray that includes the ability tofacilitate a point of sale transaction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tip trays are quite common in restaurants and bars. The waiter orwaitress usually delivers the check to the customer directly at thetable for the customer's review. The customer then leaves cash or acredit card in the tip tray. The server then collects the tip tray,brings it to the cashier to complete the transaction or to process thecredit card, and then returns the tip tray to the customer. The customerreviews the transaction sheet, leaves a tip, or signs the credit cardtransaction slip. The customer has had access to the tray at leasttwice. Mostly the restaurant or bar is poorly lit, and it sometimesrequires supplemental lighting, such as a flashlight carried by theserver, to properly read the transaction sheet on the tray.

A further problem with the traditional method is that the customer mustwait for the waitress/waiter to pick up the tray and process thetransaction with the cashier (for example, generate the correct amountof change or generate the credit card receipt). This is problematic whenthe customer is in a particular rush or when the waiter/waitress isparticularly busy, and is a generally inefficient process.

There is also technology available to allow for electronic point of saletransactions, that is, where a credit or bank card can be processeddirectly from a tray.

A further problem exists with the traditional method of orderingproducts/services from a catalogue or menu. Traditionally, customers aregiven a printed menu or catalog from which to order and thewaitress/waiter generally leaves. The customers then review the printedcatalogue/menu to determine what they would like to purchase. After somegiven amount of time, the waitress/waiter comes back to the customers,inquires if they are ready to please their order, and manually writesdown the customer's order or, in some cases, memorizes the order. Whilegenerally effective, this process also suffers from several problems andcan be improved.

One such problem with traditional ordering process is that thewaitress/waiter to come back to take their order. This is particularlyproblematic if the establishment is very busy, the waitress/waiter isvery busy, or if the waiter/waitress is inattentive. Moreover, this isalso problematic for waitress/waiter's because they must guess at whenthe customers are ready to order. If they are too early, then they oftenannoy the customers. If they are too late, then the customers oftenbecause annoyed because they must wait.

Yet another problem is that the waiter/waitress must either write downthe order or memorize it. When a waiter/waitress writes down the order,it is often difficult for the cooks to determine what is written. Also,the waiter/waitress must remember all the questions to ask (e.g., howthe meat is to be cooked, what side dishes, etc.). If thewaiter/waitress memorizes the order, then the waiter/waitress mustremember it correctly, including who ordered what, and must alsocommunicate the order to the cooks, who must also either write it downor memorize it. This process is fraught with problems.

A further problem with the current ordering method stems from the use ofpaper menus/catalogues. Anytime an item is changed (e.g., an item isadded/removed, description or price is changes, format changes, etc.),then each and every paper menu/catalogue must be reprinted/altered. Notonly does this waste considerable amount of paper, it is also quiteexpensive and time consuming.

This problem has forced many establishments to not utilizemenus/catalogues, particularly when the items to be ordered change on adaily basis, and have instead relied on the waitress/waiter to memorizethe menu/catalogue and recite it to the customers. Unfortunately, manypeople are less likely to order a particular item if they cannot readthe description of it prior to ordering it. Additionally, many customerfind it bothersome to have listen to the waitress/waiter recite theentire menu, and find it difficult to remember/consider everything inorder to make their choice.

Accordingly, what is needed is a method and apparatus that preferablydecreases the time it takes to complete a transaction. The method andapparatus also should preferably make it easier forcustomers/establishments to place/take customers' orders. Lastly, themethod and apparatus should preferably facilitate making changes to themenu/catalogue.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to belimited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of anystated objects or features of the invention. It is also important tonote that the present invention is not limited to the preferred,exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications andsubstitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to bewithin the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limitedexcept by the following claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the present invention includes atransaction device comprising a communication device and a display. Thecommunication device receives data from a remote database. The datacontaining at least information relevant to one or more items orservices to be purchased by a consumer, preferably items/services to beordered from a restaurant or the like. Optionally, the data informationrelevant to an order placed by a customer (for example an expected waittime for the order placed by the customer) and may also include monetarydata associated with the user's commercial transaction. Thecommunication device is preferably a two-way communication device and ispreferably wireless.

The display displays at least the data relevant to one or more items orservices to be purchased by the consumer. In the preferred embodiment,the display is dispose on a lid hingedly connected to a base.

The transaction device may optionally include at least one input device.The input device is adapted to allow a user to interact with thetransaction device. In the preferred embodiment, the input deviceincludes on or more devices selected from the group consisting of atouch pad, mouse, pointer, track ball, touch sensitive screen, key,button, video camera, speaker, microphone, and voice recognitionsoftware. The one input device is preferably illuminated.

The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the input devicereceives a user selection of at least one item or service from thecustomer and wherein the two-way communication device transmits the userselection of the at least one item or service to the remote database.

The input device optionally includes an advice input device. Uponactivation of the advice input device by the customer, additionalinformation relevant to a user selection of one or more items orservices is displayed to the customer on the display. The input devicemay also include a help input device. Upon activation of the get helpinput device by the customer, one or more personal associated with abusiness selling the at least one item or service to be purchased by theconsumer is notified.

The transaction device may further include a credit card reader and aprinter. The communication device transmits and receives data associatedwith a point of sale transaction.

According to another embodiment, the present invention features a methodof ordering at least one item or service from a restaurant. The methodcomprising the acts of transmitting from a database located at a firstlocation electronic data containing one or more available items orservices for purchase by a consumer. The electronic data is received ona transaction device disposed within the restaurant and is displayed onthe transaction device for the consumer to view. Optionally, additionalinformation relevant to one or more of the available items or servicesselected by the customer is displayed upon activation of an advice inputdevice by the customer.

The user then generates a user-defined order including at least one itemor service which the consumer which the customer selects using at leastone input device disposed on the transaction device. The user-definedorder is transmitted from the transaction device within the restaurantto at least a second location within the restaurant wherein the order isprocessed. In the preferred embodiment, the customer can requestassistance upon activation of a help input device.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention features atransaction system. The system comprises means for transmitting datafrom at least a remote database. The data contains one or more availableitems or services for purchase by a consumer. The system also includesmeans for receiving the data on a transaction device from at least theremote database and means for displaying the data on the transactiondevice. The system further includes means for generating an order at thetransaction device, the order including customer-defined selection ofone or more of the available items or services. The system also includesmeans for transmitting the order from the transaction device to at leastthe remote database, means for entering customer financial informationat the transaction device to complete a point of sale transaction, meansfor transmitting the customer financial information from the transactiondevice to at least the remote location, and means for completing thepoint of sale transaction at the transaction device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, referencewill now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way ofillustration, a preferred embodiment thereof, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a transaction devicein accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment, the present invention features atransaction tray 10, FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably including one or moredisplays 12, one or more input devices 14, and a two-way communicationdevice 16 for communicating with a second, remote communication deviceas will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow. The transaction tray10 may be substantially the same as described in copending, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which isincorporated fully herein by reference, except with the differencesnoted herein.

At a minimum, the transaction tray 10, according to the presentinvention, displays one or more items to be purchased by a consumer (forexample, but not limited to, a menu, catalogue, or the like) on one ormore of the displays 12. In the preferred embodiment, the transactiontray 10 includes one or more hinged lids 50, preferably containing theone or more displays 14 as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/548,615.

The transaction tray 10 optionally includes one or more input devices 14that allow a customer to remotely choice one or more items to bepurchased from the list shown on the display 12. The present inventionalso features a method of remotely ordering one or more items from acatalogue, menu, or the like as will be explained in greater detail.

For illustrative purposes only (and to satisfy the best moderequirement), the present invention will be described with respect to arestaurant or the like. Those skilled in the art will readily understandthat this is not a limitation of the present invention, and that thepresent invention is useful in many other applications.

As discussed above, the transaction tray 10 preferably includes at leastone display 12 and at least one communication device 16. Thecommunication device 16 preferably at least receives data 20 from aremote database 18 (for example, but not limited to, a personalcomputer, server, personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like). Thecommunication device 16 preferably includes any wireless communicationdevice known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, thecommunication device 16 may be hard-wired to (either directly orindirectly) to the remote database 18 in any manner known to thoseskilled in the art such as, but not limited to, local and wide areaintranets, telephone, cable, etc.

The remote database 18 preferably contains data 20 pertaining to theitems to be ordered. This data 20 is preferably received by thetransaction tray 10 and displayed on one or more of the displays 12. Inthe restaurant example, the data 20 may contain the types of food andbeverages which can be ordered, descriptions of food and beverages,specials, prices, as well as expected wait times and the like. The laterinformation (i.e., the expected wait times) may be general (i.e., notspecifically based on the individual's order) or specific to thecustomer's order.

Because the data 20 is stored on the remote database 18, any changes tothe data 20 need only be made at the remote database 20. Once the data20 is altered at the remote database 18, these new data 20 isimmediately available for download at each transaction tray 10. As such,changes to the data 20 can be made easily, cheaply, and without the needto reprint the menus.

This feature is particularly useful in situations where the data 20(e.g., the menu) changes very often (for example, day-to-day,meal-by-meal, etc.). It is also useful in situations where an item is oflimited quantity (for example, a special on a limited quantity of aparticular type of food, wine, etc.).

The present invention allows the data 20 to be displayed on the display12 in any manner, format, or arrangement. As such, the restaurant canarrange the food into “Groups” or folders 22 (for example, “fish”,“beef”, “vegetables”, etc.), thus simplifying the ordering processes.Alternatively, the entire menu can be displayed on the display 12.

Using one or more input devices 14, the customer can select a particularitem being displayed on the display 12. The input device 14 may includeany means known to those skilled in the art such as, but not limited to,a touch pad/mouse/trackball/etc 30, a keyboard or keypad 32, buttons 34,touch sensitive screen 36, or voice recognition 38. The input devices 14are also preferably backlit facilitating their use in the low-lightconditions which are prevalent in restaurants. Once selected, additionalinformation related to the selected item (for example, a description ofthe food/beverage) may be displayed on the display 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device 14 may include an “AdviceButton” or the like 24. The “Advice Button” optionally providesadditional useful information related to one or more of the selecteditems such as, but not limited to, a selection of suggested wines thatgo well with a particular food, preferred side dishes, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the input device 14 optionally includes a“Get Help” button or the like 40. The “Get Help” button 40 preferablysends a signal to the wait-staff indicating that the customer would liketo speak with someone. According to a first embodiment, thecommunication between the waiter/waitress is be done in person (i.e.,the waiter/waitress may physically come over to the customer' location).Alternatively, the communication between the customer andwaiter/waitress may be done electronically. In this embodiment, thecommunication may include voice communication using speaker 42, oroptionally may include video (either 1 or two way) displayed on aportion of the display 12 using camera 44.

In a further embodiment, the transaction tray 10 further includes a“Refill” button 55. When a customer desires a refill or the like(additional bread, etc.), the customer simply pushes this button 55,selects the desired action, and it is transmitted to the appropriatepersonal for attention. These features further reduce the amount oflabor necessary since it is no longer necessary to “check-up” on thecustomer's status periodically.

The transaction tray 10 also preferably includes a credit card reader 46or the like as described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/548,615, filed Apr. 13, 2000, which is incorporated fully herein byreference and preferably includes a printer 48 to make receipts and thelike. Other forms/means of effecting the transaction described in theU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/548,615 are also considered part ofthis invention.

According to one embodiment, the customer views the menu using display12 and makes a selection of one or more items using input devices 14.Upon selection (and preferably verification), the customer's order istransmitted to the remote database 18 to be processed. According to thismethod, the waiter/waitress need not come to the customer to take theirorder. This greatly reduces the labor costs needed to service thecustomers since all that is required is enough people to bring the order(once prepared) to the customer's table and remove the dishes at theend. Additionally, this method also solves the problem of when to takethe customer's order since the customer simply places their orderwhenever is most convenient to them.

A further benefit of this method is that it minimizes the likelihood ofthe customer's order being incorrectly processed. Rather than relying onmessy/difficult to read hand-written notes or memorization, thecustomer's order is contained electronically. A further embodiment ofthe present invention features a monitor or the like 52 which isconnected to the remote database 18 which displays the customer's orderto the correct people for processing/preparing. The present inventionalso minimizes the likelihood of an error occurring on the bill sincethe order is electronically processed.

From the above description, it is clear that the various embodiments ofthe present invention provide a method and apparatus that decreases thetime it takes to complete a transaction. The method and apparatus alsopreferably facilitates the overall transaction by making it easier forcustomers/establishments to place/take customers' orders, and reducesthe amount of labor necessary to handle the transactions. Lastly, themethod and apparatus facilitates making changes to the menu/catalogue.

While the present invention has been primarily described with respect toa restaurant or the like, those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand and appreciate that this is not a limitation of the presentinvention (unless specifically and explicitly claimed in the followingclaims). Any modifications necessary to use the present invention incircumstances/situations/applications are considered within theknowledge of one skilled in the art.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated orimplied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited tothe preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Theforegoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to providethe best illustration of the principles of the invention and itspractical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the artto utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth towhich they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1. A transaction device comprising: a communication device, saidcommunication device at least receiving data from a remote database,said data containing at least information relevant to one or more itemsor services to be purchased by a consumer; a display, said displaydisplaying at least said data relevant to one or more items or servicesto be purchased by said consumer.
 2. The transaction device as claimedin claim 1 wherein said data contained at said remote database includesdata relevant to items to be ordered from a restaurant.
 3. Thetransaction device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said communicationdevice receives information relevant to an order placed by a customer,said information containing at least an expected wait time for saidorder placed by said customer.
 4. The transaction device as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said expected wait time is determined on a real-timebasis.
 5. The transaction device as claimed in claim 1 wherein saiddisplay is dispose on a lid hingedly connected to a base.
 6. Thetransaction device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transaction devicefurther includes at least one input device, said input device adapted toallow a user to interact with said transaction device.
 7. Thetransaction device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said input deviceincludes on or more devices selected from the group consisting of atouch pad, mouse, pointer, track ball, touch sensitive screen, key,button, video camera, speaker, microphone, and voice recognitionsoftware.
 8. The transaction device as claimed in claim 6 wherein at oneof said at least one input device is illuminated.
 9. The transactiondevice as claimed in claim 6 wherein said communication device furtherincludes at least a two-way communication device.
 10. The transactiondevice as claimed in claim 9 wherein communication device includes awireless communication device.
 11. The transaction device as claimed inclaim 9 wherein said input device receives a user selection of at leastone item or service from said customer and wherein said two-waycommunication device transmits said user selection of said at least oneitem or service to said remote database.
 12. The transaction device asclaimed in claim 9 wherein said input device includes an advice inputdevice, wherein upon activation of said advice input device by saidcustomer, additional information relevant to a user selection of one ormore items or services is displayed to said customer on said display.13. The transaction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said inputdevice includes a help input device, wherein upon activation of said gethelp input device by said customer, one or more personal associated witha business selling said at least one item or service to be purchased bysaid consumer is notified.
 14. The transaction device as claimed inclaim 9 wherein said data relevant to at least one item includesmonetary data associated with said user's commercial transaction. 15.The transaction device as claimed in claim 13 further including a creditcard reader, wherein said at least two way communication devicetransmits and receives data associated with a point of sale transaction.16. The transaction device as claimed in claim 15 further including aprinter.
 17. A method of ordering at least one item or service from arestaurant, said method comprising the acts of: transmitting from adatabase located at a first location electronic data containing one ormore available items or services for purchase by a consumer; receivingsaid electronic data on a transaction device, said transaction devicedisposed within said restaurant; displaying said electronic data on adisplay on said transaction device for said consumer to view; generatingon said transaction device a user-defined order including at least oneitem or service which said consumer which said customer selects using atleast one input device disposed on said transaction device; transmittingsaid user defined order from said transaction device within saidrestaurant to at least a second location within said restaurant; andprocessing said user defined order.
 18. The method as claimed in claim17 wherein said method further includes the act of displaying additionalinformation relevant to one or more of said available items or servicesselected by said customer upon activation of an advice input device bysaid customer.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 17 wherein said methodfurther includes the act of providing assistance to said customer uponactivation of a help input device by said customer.
 20. A transactionsystem comprising: means for transmitting data from at least a remotedatabase, said data containing one or more available items or servicesfor purchase by a consumer means for receiving said data on atransaction device from at least said remote database; means fordisplaying said data on said transaction device; means for generating anorder at said transaction device, said order including customer-definedselection of one or more of said available items or services; means fortransmitting said order from said transaction device to at least saidremote database; means for entering customer financial information atsaid transaction device to complete a point of sale transaction; meansfor transmitting said customer financial information from saidtransaction device to at least said remote location; means forcompleting said point of sale transaction at said transaction device.